BERLIN – German officials announced Thursday they will not be deploying additional military personnel to the Middle East region, even as several European partner nations prepare to move naval vessels to the eastern Mediterranean waters.
The decision comes in response to recent developments following a drone attack targeting a British military installation in Cyprus, which has prompted coordinated defensive measures from multiple allies.
Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto informed lawmakers Thursday that his country, along with Spain, France, and the Netherlands, will dispatch warships to help defend Cyprus in the upcoming days.
Meanwhile, Britain plans to deploy a destroyer vessel and extra helicopter units equipped with anti-drone technology to the area, while collaborating with France and Greece to strengthen Cyprus’s air defense systems.
While Germany maintains naval participation in the ongoing UN UNIFIL peacekeeping operation in Lebanon, defense officials emphasized that their military priorities remain centered on NATO operations in eastern Europe.
“Germany is currently not planning any additional military capabilities beyond its existing contributions to international missions in the Middle East,” defense ministry officials stated.
The ministry noted that their anti-aircraft frigate “Sachsen” is presently engaged in NATO’s Cold Response training exercise in Arctic waters.
The official statement echoed remarks from Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, who told parliament: “Germany is not a party in this war. The Bundeswehr is not taking part in this war.”
